Legacies of Carl and Louis Stokes to be honored in 2017

'I did have fun with it' Writings explore his life in politics and the people who mattered to him

Congressman Louis Stokes, left, administers the oath of office to his brother Carl following his election in 1988 as a Cleveland Municipal Court judge.

(Plain Dealer historical file photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A host of Cleveland institutions will honor Carl and Louis Stokes in a series of events in 2017, the 50th anniversary of Carl Stokes' election as mayor of Cleveland.

The yearlong series will honor Stokes and his brother, U.S. Rep. Louis Stokes. It will build on their legacy of leadership, advocacy and action, said Cuyahoga Community College President Alex Johnson in a statement.

"Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future" includes more than 60 community partners; it will be announced today during a City Club event examining how Mayor Stokes' response to the Cuyahoga River fire in 1969 helped launch an environmental movement.

The commemoration will include music and theater performances, museum exhibits, academic conferences and an oral history project. A calendar of events will be released in January.

Events will seek to use history as a guide for continued social and economic development in Greater Cleveland and inspire a new generation of community leaders, officials said.

The commemoration is being led by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center at Tri-C, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, Western Reserve Historical Society, Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Cleveland Foundation and The City Club of Cleveland.

"The accomplishments of Mayor Stokes and Congressman Stokes advanced Cleveland and the nation, and their influence continues to resonate," Johnson said in a statement. "Their vision serves as a guide for a vibrant and prosperous future in our city."

Carl Stokes, who died in 1996, overturned racial barriers in 1967 while becoming the first elected black mayor of a major American city. He served two terms while advancing an agenda that still serves as a foundation for Cleveland.

Louis Stokes, who died in 2015, turned to politics after making a profound impact on the civil rights movement as a lawyer. He won election as Ohio's first black congressman in 1968 and served 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Goals of the Stokes initiative include:

Celebrating the historical accomplishments of Carl and Louis Stokes while reflecting on their impact on political access and civil rights.

Considering current challenges related to social justice and equality and identifying strategies to resolve them through purposeful research, productive discussion and strategic planning.

Inspiring a new generation to continue the Stokes legacy and create a road map for civic engagement.

Creating lasting tributes as a reminder of the past and our commitment to a better future.

Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future is supported by gifts from many individuals and organizations. More than 20 highly prominent community, government and business leaders chair the initiative.